The Government of Assam has highlighted the expanding role of cooperative institutions in strengthening the rural economy and supporting farmers across the state. In a recent tweet, the office of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the contribution of Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) in improving access to credit and essential farm services for rural communities.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Assam currently has 1,898 Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) actively working across districts to assist farmers. These grassroots institutions form the foundation of the cooperative credit structure and act as the first point of contact between farmers and the formal financial system. PACS typically provide short-term agricultural loans, facilitate repayment of credit, and distribute farm inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to members.
In Assam, PACS are also playing a key role in implementing government schemes aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and rural incomes. Through these societies, farmers are able to access Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loans, subsidized farm inputs, and services linked to the Public Distribution System (PDS).
By operating at the village or gram panchayat level, PACS ensure that institutional support reaches small and marginal farmers who often find it difficult to access commercial banking services.
The Chief Minister’s Office noted that under Sarma’s leadership, the cooperative sector in Assam is gradually emerging as a strong pillar of the rural economy. By expanding access to financial services and ensuring the timely supply of farm inputs, PACS are helping farmers improve productivity, stabilize incomes, and reduce dependence on informal credit sources.
The state government has also been working to modernize the cooperative network. Initiatives such as the computerisation of PACS and training programmes for cooperative staff are being implemented to make these societies more transparent and efficient.
These efforts are aligned with the Centre’s broader vision of strengthening grassroots cooperatives and transforming PACS into multi-service centres capable of handling storage, marketing, and other rural services.
Assam’s cooperative ecosystem is extensive, with thousands of primary societies operating across sectors such as agriculture, dairy, fisheries, livestock, and rural enterprises. These institutions collectively serve millions of members and play a crucial role in improving livelihoods, particularly for small farmers and rural households.
Reiterating its commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement, the state government said it will continue to expand the reach and capacity of PACS across Assam. The objective is to ensure better institutional support for farmers, promote financial inclusion in rural areas, and accelerate sustainable agricultural growth throughout the state.
Through these initiatives, the government hopes to further deepen the cooperative framework and make it a central driver of rural development in Assam.